School Staffer Dies After Alleged Kick In Chest by 14 Year Old Student

A tragic incident at Meadowridge Academy, a residential therapeutic school in Swansea, Massachusetts, has left the community in mourning after 53-year-old staff member Amy Morrell died following an alleged assault by a 14-year-old student. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening around 6:55 p.m. inside the school’s dormitories, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Morrell, a Rhode Island native, was attempting to prevent the teenage girl from leaving the dormitory without permission when the situation escalated. Alongside another staff member, Morrell tried to restrain the student, who allegedly kicked her in the chest. Morrell collapsed immediately after the incident and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition where she was pronounced dead.
The 14-year-old student, whose identity has not been disclosed due to her age, was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury in Fall River Juvenile Court on Thursday. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather details about the circumstances of the incident.

Meadowridge Academy, located approximately 50 miles south of Boston, serves youth and young adults ages 12 to 21 facing mental health, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges. Operated under the Justice Resource Institute, the school provides comprehensive care and educational programs for its students. In a statement to NBC Boston, a spokesperson for Meadowridge Academy expressed profound grief over Morrell’s death: “The Meadowridge Academy community is deeply saddened by the passing of direct care staff member, Amy Morrell. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Amy’s family during this difficult time.”